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Famous fortysomethings get a fresh start

For a fistful of stars, life is beginning again at 40(something). USA TODAY's Olivia Barker looks at who's proving that it is indeed possible to age gracefully — and powerfully — in Hollywood. | She's been a multi-hyphenate juggernaut for years, but at 43, Queen Latifah might be scoring her biggest career conquest yet: a daytime TV show, featuring big-name guests such as Will Smith.

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Famous fortysomethings get a fresh start

For a fistful of stars, life is beginning again at 40(something). USA TODAY's Olivia Barker looks at who's proving that it is indeed possible to age gracefully — and powerfully — in Hollywood. | She's been a multi-hyphenate juggernaut for years, but at 43, Queen Latifah might be scoring her biggest career conquest yet: a daytime TV show, featuring big-name guests such as Will Smith. AP

Jenny McCarthy: Who would have guessed that one of Hugh Hefner's longtime pets would someday swap bunny ears for glasses and join Barbara Walters on 'The View' at age 40? (She just turned 41 on Nov. 1.) Lou Rocco, AP

At 44, she's no longer pitied as "poor Jen." Jennifer Aniston is one of 'Forbes' most powerful actresses, engaged to Justin Theroux. And who knows what other Big News she might be hiding ...? J. Countess, WireImage

What do they say about slow and steady stars? After years of solid, strong work and numerous nominations, Anna Gunn finally grabbed a big one, the supporting-drama-actress Emmy for 'Breaking Bad,' at age 45. Gregg DeGuire, WireImage

After nabbing an Oscar nomination for 1991's 'Cape Fear,' Juliette Lewis became better known for her antics than her acting. Now, at age 40, she's back to earning big accolades, this time for her role in the big screen's 'August: Osage County.' Jason LaVeris, FilmMagic

Two years after basking in the bonanza that was 'Bridesmaids,' one year after saying goodbye to the security of 'Saturday Night Live,' Kristen Wiig has shown she's no two-hit wonder. At 40, she's got a clutch of movies in the works and in the can, including holiday releases 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' and 'Anchorman 2.' Jim Spellman, WireImage